Dongguan (东莞) Day 1

My travel schedule today is as follows:

Hotel in HK --15mins walk--> Train Station --30mins on train--> HK & Shenzhen border --walk up and down 2 flights of stairs (with suitcase)--> HK Immigration --walk--> China Immigration --walk--> Shenzhen Custom --Being questioned by duty officer why I had 2 lenses and asked if they have been declared. Refuted his ridiculous request and was granted passage--> Shenzhen --private car 1 hour--> Dongguan.

I am trying to forget how hard it was to travel from Hong Kong to Dongguan this morning, amidst the comfort of the hotel room.

One minute I am like a scavanger, lugging my suitcase, boarding train and crossing the border on foot; the next minute I am pampered in a gigantic room with private balcony and king size bed. I know everyone goes to Shenzhen this way, but I bet none are in suit and high heel shoes, dragging a luggage, with laptop on the back and camera sling in front.

Hardship, plain hardship. Next time I have to think twice before coming here.



After enduring the worst travelling arrangement on my business trips, I checked-in to the most luxurious hotel I have stayed in so far on these trips.

Woooo... want to relax in a bubble bath without missing your favourite TV program? Easy, build a glass wall in the bathroom. First it was bathroom without door in Vienna, now it's a see through bathroom in Dongguan. What's next?



And here's a "sleazy" photo of me in the tub. Haha... Big sacrifce made to have this photo taken. Water wasted is enough for my laundry in the next 10 days.

I mean the environment has been sacrificed lah... you think what?

Hong Kong (in transit)

The last thing I remembered about my previous overseas trip is that I gripped on tightly to the arm rest as the plane was touching down in Changi and the nice German lady sitting beside me told me that she is also afraid of take off and landing.

It's starting all over now, I am on the road again.

The last time I visited Hong Kong was 2 years ago. Nothing much has changed, except the airport looks more worn out than before. Thanks to the staff from the airport limousine counter, I spent 10 times less money than it would have cost me if I had taken a taxi to the hotel. He recommended the public airport bus which cost only HK$20... hmm...aren't we suppose to splurge on business trips?

Since shopping is not my "thing", Hong Kong is really quite a boring place for me. Surely not the Ladies Market on every visit? And you wouldn't expect I will go to Lan Kwai Fong alone?



I held my breath as I stepped out of East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. The smell of masala in the air didn't killed me as yet. And those water dropping down from no where onto my head... I refused to think what they are. This is the infamous Chung King Building.



In absolute contrast, the other side of Tsim Sha Tsui offers magnificent view of Hong Kong Island.




At 8pm, the light/laser show.

Here I am looking at the bright lights from buildings on Hong Kong Island. They reminded me of something I love. I love the view on either side of Huang Pu Jiang: The Bund or Pudong are equally beautiful by night. 3 more days, I will be sitting at the outdoor terrace of some restaurant along The Bund admiring the Oriental Pearl Tower.



Every time I see a night like this, when the dark sky and backdrop are decorated with millions of lights from the skyscrappers, I can't help but feel the dilemma of how extravagant this beauty is. Imagine the energy and resources needed to create this scene, only to please the casual vistors and indiscriminating tourists. What will be left behind after this beauty burns away? Maybe it's darkness. Maybe it will be flood. And all that we ever love and always treasure will be gone.

Still, I watch with awe as the laser beam shone into the far distance, at the same time burning away my battery.


Olympic mascots, Fu Wa. All ready for sports!

Next stop: Dongguan

Cowboy's day out!

For some strange reason, mummy loves this warm and humid season. She says the sunshine brings vitality to life and even the clouds are joyous with colours. I don't pretend I know what exactly she meant, but I am high spirited and ready for some summer time fun too!





It's been a long time since I've been to the park. Mummy didn't approve because I have to take care of my flowing long hair. "Stay in bed. Grow hair. Give Peace a Chance" (quote from Lennon). Mummy is trying to make me into a hippy.



So this is my big break! I ran, ran and ran. I want to break free, but how to do so when I am on a leash?

As I wandered along, I saw this tall tree. Yes, this may be the legendary "Jack and the Beanstalk". But where's Jack?



Jack, Jacky, you home??!!



There you are, Jack! Come down now, yoo hoo!



Never mind, I am sick and tired of you Jack, you arrogant little black bird. Let me take a sip of water and quench my thirst.



So much adventure for today. Now I am back to my "cage", would you please leave me alone? May I have some privacy please.

* * * * *

BONUS

The Brokeback Cinema proudly presents,
"Meant for each other"
Starring Cowboy and The Anonymous Labrador.

Before I am gone... eve of eve of eve of Asia World Tour

I've activated the "out of office" message, charged my laptop and packed the documents I need. All set to embark on the "Asia World Tour".

I consider this pretty much a hardship tour, 4 cities in 2 weeks, that's not easy at all. But it may be even harder to keep my feet at home, at this time when summer has just arrived.

My boss wondered if I will miss home, and asked if I have ever been away for so long. Never on business for this long (though 2 weeks is not very long) as I recalled. Maybe this time the rebel's heart will mellow (haha, sure or not??)... I will tell you when I am home.

Sometimes I think you'd rather I be gone, then I can bring to you beautiful scenery and extraordinary experience. That's why we love watching travel channel, don't we? The higher the mountain he climbs, the further into the poles he travels, the more hysterical we become.

People compare life to a journey. The only difference between life and travel is that in life, you often stop only because of obstacles. But when travelling, you stop to savour the many wonders of this beautiful world. Why not make life a little happier? Open up your eyes, your ears and your senses. Smell a flower along your way to work; make faces at the cat who lingers around your block; tell a star your wishes and truly believe that they will come true... Can you do these? I guarantee they will bring you more smiles. With some imagination and a little few more pit stops, life can be a perfect vacation too.

You think I'm dreaming again.


Next stop: Hong Kong

We almost forgot him!

He was the greatest joke of that time. Me and colleagues used to mimic him on those nights when we were so tired from work. Yet I almost forgot his name. But he earned a page in Wikipedia and released 3 albums. Not bad for a dude like him.

Rumour has it that he died of heroin overdose. True or false? I don't know.

It's still funny watching this clip now. Enjoy!